Things Looking Better on Catalina Island

Around 10pm last night it looked like the city of Avalon was in a lot of trouble with fire showing along the hilltops all around the city. Between the weather and some great work from the fire department, it looks like Avalon will be saved:

Firefighters working through the night turned back flames that threatened Santa Catalina Island's main city and forced hundreds of people to evacuate amid falling ashes.

The wildfire was 4,000 acres, or more than 6 square miles, and was only 10 percent contained early Friday. But worries were eased by the day's favorable weather forecast and the arrival of a massive force of fire trucks and water-dropping aircraft on the narrow, mountainous island 30 miles off Los Angeles.

Flames that had menaced the city the night before were no longer visible from Avalon on Friday.

A puff of smoke rose from a hillside overlooking the crescent harbor and a layer of ash were reminders of a harrowing night.

"The risk has been reduced significantly," Fire Chief Steven Hoefs said. "Most of the structures have been protected."

That's great news because Avalon and Catalina Island are a very special place.